JioStar has secured the exclusive broadcast and streaming rights for the 2026 Abu Dhabi T10 tournament across the Indian subcontinent. Under the agreement, all 32 matches of the fast-paced cricket competition will be broadcast live on television via Star Sports and streamed digitally on JioHotstar.
The rights acquisition follows an earlier move by Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (ADCSH) to take over majority ownership and commercial rights of the tournament, as reported by Afaqs Media Coverage. The Indian subcontinent represents the competition's largest global viewership base, making multi-platform distribution a central pillar of the event's regional growth strategy.
Strategic Expansion and Format Schedule
The 2026 Abu Dhabi T10 will take place from November 7 to November 20 at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The tournament schedule features 32 fixtures staged across 13 match days, comprising six triple-header and seven double-header fixture slots. Preparations began earlier in the cycle when the tournament's official player draft took place in Abu Dhabi on September 30.
According to tournament organizers, the 2025 edition achieved considerable media visibility, generating more than 527 million social media impressions and an estimated US$512 million in total broadcast value.
| Tournament Metric | Official Detail |
|---|---|
| Linear Broadcast Platform | Star Sports |
| Digital Streaming Platform | JioHotstar |
| Territory Coverage | Indian Subcontinent |
| Tournament Dates | November 7 to November 20, 2026 |
| Host Venue | Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
| Total Fixtures | 32 matches (6 triple-headers, 7 double-headers) |
| Player Draft Date | September 30 |
| Prior Edition Broadcast Value | US$512 million (2025) |
Broadcast Enhancements and Leadership Insights
Beyond live linear and digital feeds, JioStar plans to augment its tournament coverage with supplementary programming, including behind-the-scenes content, analytical features, and digital-first fan initiatives across social channels.
Addressing the strategic value of the deal, Matt Boucher, Chief Executive Officer of ADCSH and CEO of Abu Dhabi T10, stated: "This partnership represents a special moment in the continued evolution of the Abu Dhabi T10. India has always been our biggest and most passionate market and collaborating with JioStar enables us to connect with an even broader audience through platforms renowned for delivering world-class cricket coverage. As we continue building the tournament’s next growth chapter under Abu Dhabi’s stewardship, expanding our broadcast footprint is central to our long-term strategy."
Prashant Khanna, head of Sports: Rights & Innovation at JioStar, emphasized the alignment between consumer habits and the accelerated format: "T10 has found its audience in India for its mile-a-minute format, and we are excited to bring that same energy to the Abu Dhabi T10. In a market that lives and breathes cricket like no other, JioStar’s unparalleled reach can take the event far and wide while pulling in a whole new set of fans along the way."
With commercial ownership consolidated under ADCSH, the network partnership provides unified television and digital carriage for viewers tracking short-format franchise cricket in South Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can fans in India watch the 2026 Abu Dhabi T10?
Viewers in India and the wider subcontinent can watch the tournament on television via Star Sports or stream matches online through the JioHotstar digital application.
When does the 2026 Abu Dhabi T10 take place?
The tournament runs from November 7 to November 20 at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, spanning 13 match days with 32 total fixtures.
Who owns the commercial rights to the Abu Dhabi T10?
Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (ADCSH) holds majority ownership and commercial rights of the tournament, having acquired full operational governance earlier this year.
